A Computational BIM-Based Spatial Analysis Method for the Evaluation of Emergency Department Layouts

This paper introduces a novel BIM-based computational workflow that embeds spatial analysis directly within the Building Information Modelling (BIM) environment to support the evaluation and design of hospital emergency department (ED) layouts. Conventional analyses often depend on external software and repeated data exchange, which limit efficiency and integration with the design process. The proposed method integrates space syntax principles into Revit through Dynamo and custom Python scripts, enabling automated calculation of spatial measures linked to healthcare-specific performance indicators. The workflow was applied to two UK-based ED floor plans in a comparative case study, assessing patient-oriented aspects such as wayfinding, emergency access, and spatial privacy, alongside staff-oriented factors including workstation accessibility and visibility. Results were validated against DepthmapX to ensure consistency and reproducibility. The findings demonstrate that a BIM-native approach can streamline spatial analysis by eliminating import–export cycles, enhancing design iteration, and supporting post-occupancy evaluation. The significance of the study is in providing a decision-support framework for architects and healthcare planners in both designing new and evaluating existing ED layouts, where spatial configuration directly affects efficiency and user experience. Its main contribution is a reproducible workflow that enables real-time evaluation and strengthens the link between spatial analysis and evidence-based healthcare design.